HIV-1 DNA, Qualitative - for patients < 6 month of age

Item

Value

Available Stat?

No

Utilization Guidelines

This test is generally performed ONLY on neonates and infants under 6 months of age. The sensitivity of the assay is 10 copies/mL whole blood and is only available as a qualitative assay. The test detects viral DNA that has integrated into the host genome within white blood cells rather than free RNA. In general, this test is considered interchangeable with HIV-1 RNA measured by PCR, but the minimum blood volume required is lower (1 mL whole blood vs. 1.1 mL plasma). The sensitivity of either test is low during the first month of life, and repeat testing at 1-2 months of age is recommended.

Test code

MOLT (Order in Apex as 'Miscellaneous Outside Lab Test' using the complete test name above)

Test group

HIV

Performed by

Quest

Sendout?

Yes

Method

PCR

Container type

Lavender top, Yellow (ACD) acceptable

Amount to Collect

3 mL blood

Sample type

EDTA whole blood

Preferred volume

3 mL blood

Min. Volume

1 mL blood

Processing notes

Do NOT centrifuge. Keep at room temperature. Complete form including specimen number, age, sex and date only; do not include patient name or hospital number. Order Quest # 98376P.

Normal range

Negative

Synonyms

Neonatal HIV screen

Turn around times

Test performed Tuesday & Thursday. Turnaround time: 2-6 days.

Additional information

The sensitivity of this assay is 10 copies of HIV-1 DNA per mL of whole blood.

This test is generally performed ONLY on neonates and infants under 6 months of age. The sensitivity of the assay is 10 copies/mL whole blood and is only available as a qualitative assay. The test detects viral DNA that has integrated into the host genome within white blood cells rather than free RNA. In general, this test is considered interchangeable with HIV-1 RNA measured by PCR, but the minimum blood volume required is lower (1 mL whole blood vs. 1.1 mL plasma). The sensitivity of either test is low during the first month of life, and repeat testing at 1-2 months of age is recommended.